S. Sudan political detainees a 3rd group at talks

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Political prisoners taken into custody shortly after massive violence broke out in South Sudan say they want to take a seat at peace talks as an independent, third group.

One of the seven detainees now in Ethiopia, Adwok Nyaba, said the group backs Riek Machar, South Sudan's former vice president, politically. But Nyaba said Machar has chosen to fight a military struggle against South Sudan's government and the political prisoners instead want to wage a political struggle.

Nyaba said the seven political leaders want to see reforms, just as Machar does.

South Sudan's government and rebel leaders agreed to a cease-fire last month, but violence is still ongoing. Peace talks were supposed to continue this week but have not yet made any progress.